Existing-home sales increased in October to their strongest pace since earlier this summer, according to a new report, while a separate one showed the overall U.S. economy continued growing at a strong pace last month.

A first look at business conditions in the U.S. manufacturing sector for August showed it continued to improve, though at a slightly weaker pace, while a separate report shows the volatility of the new home market.

A first look at the nation’s manufacturing sector this month shows conditions have hit a nine-month low, while home sales have roared back amid near-term expectations the overall economy will continue with a moderate expansion.

New orders for long-lasting durable goods increased less than expected during March, according to a new Commerce Department report, but business investment on equipment appears to be solid following the rut it was in for nearly a couple of years.

Orders for long-lasting durable goods increased more than expected last month while a snapshot of manufacturing activity showed it slowed this month and there were mixed results for housing during February, according to four new economic reports.

There are increasing signs the U.S. economy is gaining momentum in the first quarter of the year with gains in home sales and consumer confidence, but it is also fueling speculation that interest rates could head higher as soon as next month.

New preliminary numbers suggest U.S. manufacturers started the fourth quarter in a strong fashion, and other numbers point to an improving overall economy in the final three months of the year -- with manufacturing and housing, two key areas related to truck freight, helping lead the way.

A preliminary report shows new orders and shipments for big-ticket manufactured durable goods lost steam in August. Inside the report, however, is some evidence that business investment for the long term is increasing.

A preliminary report released Friday shows growth in the nation’s manufacturing sector is easing this month amid the slowest expansion of new orders so far this year, according the financial information services provider IHS Markit.

A preliminary look at the nation’s manufacturing sector shows it continues to expand following a recent downturn. Separate reports show expectations of long-term economic growth have been moved lower and the housing market is suffering from low inventory levels.

While new orders for manufactured durable goods plunged in June, a closely watched economic indicator shows a gain for the first time in three months, as a separate report shows a big hike in new home sales and another is calling for even better retail sales.

A new preliminary report shows U.S. manufacturing rising this month at its fastest pace since November 2015, following a post-Great-Recession low in May – "an encouraging sign of revival," says financial information services provider Markit.

Orders and shipments of long-lasting durable goods fell in May, according to a preliminary Commerce Department report. One measure of business investment fell by the most in three months, but other reports show homes and consumers remain a cornerstone of the economy.

Orders for durable goods recovered only somewhat in March following a big decline, and a key economic indicator within the measure failed to improve, adding to recent indications a slump in manufacturing is far from over.